The Art of the 3-Pointer (Ben Gordon-style)

By Nora O’Donnell

Published June 13, 2007

Shooting a 9-inch-wide ball through an 18-inch-diameter basket from more than 23 feet away is no easy feat, but Bulls guard Ben Gordon is quickly becoming one of the league’s top 3-point shooters. He is currently ranked tenth among the NBA’s all-time career leaders in 3-point field goal percentage (.413). Asked about other long-range shooters he emulates, Gordon is quick to answer: “B.J. Armstrong and Steve Kerr.” Spoken like a true Bull. Here’s how Gordon connects from behind the arc. by Nora O’Donnell

EYES/SHOULDERS:Focus eyes on the back rim of the basket and make sure shoulders face the target.

FEET/KNEES:Position feet square to basket, with toes facing the goal. If right-handed, like Gordon, place right foot slightly ahead of left foot. Bend knees slightly.

ARMS/HANDS:Lift hands to chest height. Cock wrist of shooting hand. (Gordon’s right elbow now points toward the basket.) Keep ball on the pads of fingers.

THE JUMP:Release ball at the apex of the jump. Extend elbow and snap wrist. Put a high arc on the ball. Doing this-or being Ben Gordon-increases your chances of hearing that sweet swish.

BY THE NUMBERS

Last season, Gordon made 1663-point field goals, a Bulls franchise record; he also set a team record by sinking nine of 133-pointers against the Phoenix Suns. And, in a game against the Washington Wizards, Gordon hit nine of nine from behind the arc, tying Latrell Sprewell’s NBA record for most consecutive 3-pointers without a miss in one game.

BULLISH ON 3’S

Former Bull Steve Kerr (left) is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-point field goal percentage.